View Full Version : I am so Confused.....
KO Bossy
10/28/2009, 00:13
I've read mafiascum.net, wikipedia, HCRealms and tons of other places trying to learn how to play this game. It looks pretty cool and I want to try it out, but would like to refrain from jumping in and making a fool of myself due to inexperience. But some of the rules are sort of confusing and there are a zillion different terms....I have no idea where to begin. Is there anything on here where new guys can learn how to play? Maybe a newbie mafia or something? Because I am honestly lost.
Maybe someone would care to do a Mafia For Dummies rundown of it for me? Just something so that I can have sort of an idea on how to play. I get the whole Mafia vs Town thing, but a lot of the roles confuse me, as well as the lingo.
Also, are any mafias starting soon? Maybe I can join one and just sorta learn what to do. You know, that saying about "practicing doing something makes you better at it" or whatever. I'd say that I'd keep my mouth shut, but I know that in some cases you can't. So anything would be good.
Newbie games are rare because, well, turn out is often low. We don't have enough new players to get one going and by the time we do, most of the new people aren't new anymore.
There is a learning curve. Most people are very confused their first game (especially if it ends up being a fast moving game), but you pick it up fast enough.
Most mods are also very helpful if need be. Feel free to ask questions. Most players are helpful to, but if you ask questions in the game thread, the mafia may try and mess with you. Still, most people don't #### around with newbies. (As it is always great to have new players).
If you want to sign up for a game, I'd go with a well established mod. Malakim, or Darq or Ignatz, etc. (Don't feel insulted if I left you out. There are tons of names I could have put here) Someone who has ran a bunch. I like to support new mods, but for a first timer, an experienced mod is probably better. However, pick a theme you like as it will make the game easier to follow. (If you like movies, pick a movie game. If you like Batman, wait for an Arkham game, etc.) I wouldn't recommend picking a hard theme like All Stars (even if i am the mod of those) as your first game.
Besides that, good like. It can be a lot of fun!
KO Bossy
10/28/2009, 00:46
Alright thanks for the advice, Magnito. Just a couple questions on what you said. What exactly do the themes have to do with the game? Also, are you allowed to PM a Mod with questions while the Mafia is going along? Just in case I have a question, I'd wanna get it straightened out instead of doing something wrong and sorta screwing up the game for everyone else.
1) Themes just add flavor to a game and tailor the roles. I mean, if you are playing a DC game, than the roles would tailor to that. Batman might be the cop due to his detective skills, Superman may be the doctor because he saves people etc.
Really, all games run similarly, so it shouldn't matter, but it does. Especially if you get a mafia role. If you are mafia, you really have to have a handle on the theme so that you can blend in as much as possible.
2) Not only can you PM the mod, but I recommend it. They should be able to help you out as you go along. At least until you have more sure footing.
Alright thanks for the advice, Magnito. Just a couple questions on what you said. What exactly do the themes have to do with the game? Also, are you allowed to PM a Mod with questions while the Mafia is going along? Just in case I have a question, I'd wanna get it straightened out instead of doing something wrong and sorta screwing up the game for everyone else.
Themes are just that: themes. The town will be one cast of characters (i.e. Justice League) and the mafia will be another (i.e. Legion of Doom).
Players are always welcome to PM the game's mod with questions. Most games have their important rules laid out on the opening post (i.e. "Don't PM other players in this game about this game.")
There's talk about starting some small, quick newbie mafia games to get new players who are interested (like you ;)) hooked on this.
Also, if you're having a hard time with the local HCRealms terms and lingo, check out the glossary at this thread: http://www.hcrealms.com/forum/showthread.php?t=246120
DarqFeonix
10/28/2009, 00:59
You can certainly PM a mod during a game... They just may not answer a question if they feel it is private info. Sometimes I just PM a mod (even after I'm dead) to make random
comments.
Picking a game with a theme you like/know can certainly help as you have in your mind just what certain roles (unique to each player and many times key to survival) will appear... But also allows you to get in character, if you so choose.
Keep an eye out over the next few days, because I think Truffle Shuffle will be running A Vanilla game. What this means is that it's a pure mafia game, an informed minority (usually about 20-25% of the players) who are out to pick off the uninformed
majority. Vanilla games are EXCELLENT starter games, as they do not get bogged down in roleclaims (eg. If you were playing in a Spiderman mafia game, and someone claims they are Spiderman, you can likely trust them)
I think we need to update the FAQ thread on the front page... I seem to remember Thawmus mentioning this months ago.
KO Bossy
10/28/2009, 01:25
Ahh alright, good to know.
Now obviously, if it were a DC theme game, the Mod won't give everyone who's a Mafia member the name of someone in the DC universe who's actually a villain (example: all the Mafia people are Lex Luthor, Grodd, Joker, etc) because that obviously singles them out right away. So how would that pan out? Does everyone just get assigned a random name, or do they pick it, or what?
And from what I've seen in Mafia threads, I see little chit chat, but mostly votes of who to lynch during the day. How are you supposed to single out enemies with so talk? Or sometimes do you just have to do it random and hope you get an enemy?
And depending on your role, how do you tailor your comments to so that you don't let too much information out? Got any examples? Or is that just a skill you learn as you play more?
get_1, I looked at that document you linked me to originally before I posted this thread. While I understood some of the terms (like Serial Killer, Cop, etc), a lot I didn't (like Bus Driver, Bounty Hunter, Dragger or PGO). They sound cool, but in the original write up, I didn't see any of those roles latter roles. That's probably why I'm confused.
DarqFeonix
10/28/2009, 01:34
Every player gets a secret PM describing who their role is and what power they have. It's up to the player whether to "roleclaim" during the day phase (usually if pressured). This PM is NOT to be shared fully in a game.
The Mafia are different. They a know eachother's roles and powers. They are free to - and are encouraged - to talkwith eachother "behind the scenes"/outside the game thread, be it through PM or what is called a proboard, a random website outside HCR to discuss plans.
Obviously, if you are Lex Luthor, and DC villains are early a Mafia, you would not want to truthfully roleclaim, so you make a fakeclaim, inthehopes someone elsedoesnt have the role (like you wouldn't claim Superman, but maybe someone like Firestorm)
Ahh alright, good to know.
Now obviously, if it were a DC theme game, the Mod won't give everyone who's a Mafia member the name of someone in the DC universe who's actually a villain (example: all the Mafia people are Lex Luthor, Grodd, Joker, etc) because that obviously singles them out right away. So how would that pan out? Does everyone just get assigned a random name, or do they pick it, or what?
Roles are typically assigned randomly. And they will have the name of their villain, but if asked by the town they'll have to do something called "fake-claim" where you lie. If you're under pressure to reveal who you are and you're Luthor, you're going to want to try and guess a hero who's not here. Claiming as Batman when you're Luthor is fake-claiming.
And from what I've seen in Mafia threads, I see little chit chat, but mostly votes of who to lynch during the day. How are you supposed to single out enemies with so talk? Or sometimes do you just have to do it random and hope you get an enemy?
Can of worms! Can of worms! :p
And depending on your role, how do you tailor your comments to so that you don't let too much information out? Got any examples? Or is that just a skill you learn as you play more?
You really do just learn as you play. A good way to get a head start could be to read through an old game or two and watch how certain players do it. If you'd like recommendations for games/players to watch, I'm sure someone would be willing to give them to you.
get_1, I looked at that document you linked me to originally before I posted this thread. While I understood some of the terms (like Serial Killer, Cop, etc), a lot I didn't (like Bus Driver, Bounty Hunter, Dragger or PGO). They sound cool, but in the original write up, I didn't see any of those roles latter roles. That's probably why I'm confused.
Again, learn as you play. Mafia's way more complicated in theory than it is in practice. (Although a beginner game isn't going to have those more complicated powers like the ones that are confusing you).
SkyKushryd
10/28/2009, 01:40
In answer to the first part, if I understand you correctly, your "name" stays secret to you.
You are the only one who knows your role, unless you are a member of a mafia team.
As for the talking comments, yes and no.
Sometimes no talk happens because the cop will out-and-out say "so-and-so is mafia", and they will be immediately lynched.
And sometimes Random lynches are the only option for the town.
And last but not least, it is a learned skill.
In my first few games I was horrible at it, but, in my own oppinion at least, I've certainly gotten better.
Sometimes dropping hints, true or not, is a great strategy.
To clarify on the claiming characters bit:
The general "set-up" of HCRealms Themed Mafia games can be thought of as a whole lot of people gathered together in a room. The evil mafia members then mindwipe everyone in the room except for themselves, so the good guys can no longer tell their fellow heroes apart from the villains.
The mafia/villains, being the mindwipers, still know who's on their side and who isn't.
If I am Batman, I am going to know that I'm Batman. I know my own ID. If you claim that you're Superman when you're actually Luthor, I won't really be able to tell the difference. However if you claim Batman, then I'll know you're lying.
...is the concept of fake-claiming and being informed of your character starting to make sense?
KO Bossy
10/28/2009, 01:44
I think I'll read through a couple completed Mafias. Anyone have any they can recommend that I look at (maybe ones with good examples of good gameplay)?
I'm gonna see if I can try to join a Mafia within the next few days. One, like everyone suggested, with a theme that I know about and can follow/understand. Other than the one Truffle_Shuffle is supposedly organizing, anyone have suggestions?
KO Bossy
10/28/2009, 01:46
To clarify on the claiming characters bit:
The general "set-up" of HCRealms Themed Mafia games can be thought of as a whole lot of people gathered together in a room. The evil mafia members then mindwipe everyone in the room except for themselves, so the good guys can no longer tell their fellow heroes apart from the villains.
The mafia/villains, being the mindwipers, still know who's on their side and who isn't.
If I am Batman, I am going to know that I'm Batman. I know my own ID. If you claim that you're Superman when you're actually Luthor, I won't really be able to tell the difference. However if you claim Batman, then I'll know you're lying.
...is the concept of fake-claiming and being informed of your character starting to make sense?
That's a GREAT example and it makes perfect sense.. I suggest you sticky it somewhere. Crisp, clear and concise.
DarqFeonix
10/28/2009, 01:49
Hmmm... Hard to recommend as a lot of them appear to be large and complicated. Rokk_Krinn runs a good game, and it will be starting this week, but it may be complicated.
If you are a fan of The Walking Dead, that may be a good starter.
Wade Wilson
10/28/2009, 01:50
it also helps a bit, especially for your first game, to sign up for one that you know the theme of or atleast know it a bit...
Hmmm... Hard to recommend as a lot of them appear to be large and complicated. Rokk_Krinn runs a good game, and it will be starting this week, but it may be complicated.
If you are a fan of The Walking Dead, that may be a good starter.
I'd recommend not having a Rokk_Krinn game as your virginal experience. Even experienced players spend most of the time just simply trying to get their bearings. :p
Of all the games currently in sign-up, I'd recommend Ignatz_Mouse, malakim2099, or loganspeedo's games. They're the most likely to be more traditional and simpler, plus these guys run a good straightforward game.
Wade Wilson
10/28/2009, 01:53
if you like video games Docdoom and Pax are running a video game one, but Pax roles can be kind of weird...also Mal is doing the plush cthulu game and those roles, well atleast the first one, are rather simple and it's just basically stuffed animals =/
SkyKushryd
10/28/2009, 01:54
Hmmm.....
A good game to read....
Examples of good gameplay....
Ledgends of Wrestling. (Don't know who it was by)
As for bad gameplay....
Be Your Own Badguy 3. :laugh:
if you like video games Docdoom and Pax are running a video game one, but Pax roles can be kind of weird...also Mal is doing the plush cthulu game and those roles, well atleast the first one, are rather simple and it's just basically stuffed animals =/
Of those in sign-up:
PaxZRakes roles are weird and the writeups are quite untraditional.
VenomDaBomb's games are quite experimental.
Rokk_Krinn's games have many many twists and turns.
Ignatz_Mouse's games are usually straightforward, but his movies game promises "unpredictability" so ... :ermm:
malakim2099's games are usually straightforward with good, approachable writeups.
goodman's games are the same. Either could be your best shot.
KO Bossy
10/28/2009, 02:01
Wrestling sounds really cool, as do certain video games. If it was just a broad based video game one, I'm not sure, since I'm not really up on current VG pop culture. Movie ones seem fun, as well. No idea about anything related to Cthulu.
I'll definitely look into the ones that Malakim, loganspeedo and Ignatz_Mouse are running, since they come highly recommended. Sorry, Rokk, but they say you're a complicated man. And while no one understands you, at least hopefully your woman does.
KO Bossy
10/28/2009, 02:07
I signed up for goodman's TV Channel Mafia. Thanks for the recommendation, get_1.
SkyKushryd
10/28/2009, 02:18
I highly reccomend reading some older games.
Thats how I started, and it helped me immensely.
PaxZRake
10/28/2009, 06:30
I would definately say that my game with DocDoom is probably not for beginners.
That being said, KO, I'm more than willing to run a "newbie" (please don't take offense to the term) game based on a theme you enjoy.
Shoot me a PM, I'm sure I can get a quick simple theme up and running and 15 other players to join quick enough.
sstralkowski
10/28/2009, 08:30
I haven't finished reading this whole thread yet, but I will be supervising a newbie mafia run by Aegon. He wants to get his feet wet as a mod and with me keeping a very close eye on things, it should go just fine. So far he's looking at an 8 player game. real short and quick. The theme will be Batman since that seems to interest a lot of people. Sign-ups will be opening soon.
sstralkowski
10/28/2009, 08:42
KO, you're getting some very good info from some of the best around. We love seeing new players so don't get discouraged. We'll all pitch in to help you out.
Also, if you're interested in a pretty straight forward game, my old Star Trek (http://www.hcrealms.com/forum/showthread.php?t=209000)game was about as basic as my games get. It was a good bit of fun back in the day.
Jackofhearts2005
10/28/2009, 12:33
I think we might want to add this link to our newbie intro thread (we have one of those right?)
http://cataldo.freeshell.org/mafia/mafiascum04.swf
I think it explains everything perfectly in a step by step manner thats easy for anyone to understand.
Ignatz_Mouse
10/28/2009, 13:03
Feel free to sign up for my game. My games may have twists but they don't mess with the core rules in the way some games do, and this one isn't too big, which helps.
KO Bossy
10/28/2009, 13:39
Thanks a lot guys, you've made me feel really welcome and I appreciate it! :)
Pax, I PMed you about running a pretty straight forward game just so I can get a bit of a sense of what I'm doing. Don't worry about calling me a newbie, though. :laugh:
sstralkowski, thanks for the link. Its really nice of you and everyone else to help me out.
Everyone here is very helpful to newbie and i'll try and make thinks very easy and straight forward for you in my mafia game when it gets going ;)
KO Bossy
10/28/2009, 14:29
What about anonymouse? He's running a Munchkin Mafia, and I'm a Munchkin buff, so I'd love to participate. However, I'd like to know before hand if he runs a pretty straight forward game, or if its something I should get more experience for before I do?
Also, can you do 2 Mafias at a time? Or only 1? Or as many as you want?
DarqFeonix
10/28/2009, 14:32
Heh, Anonym0use games, at least the Paranoia ones, are usually uber-confusing. May want to ask him if this is gonna be straightforward.
You can participate in as many games as you want, but it can get a bit overwhelming. I'd recommend no more than 2 or 3.
You can sign up for more than one, but I'd recommend just starting with one game at a time.
I once played 6 games at once. It was epic, and a very poor decision. Luckily (or unluckily :cheeky:) the killers in those games decided to do me a favor and all kill me at the same-ish time.
Wade Wilson
10/28/2009, 14:34
i play in all mafia games...and i do ok XD
sstralkowski
10/28/2009, 15:16
What about anonymouse? He's running a Munchkin Mafia, and I'm a Munchkin buff, so I'd love to participate. However, I'd like to know before hand if he runs a pretty straight forward game, or if its something I should get more experience for before I do?
Also, can you do 2 Mafias at a time? Or only 1? Or as many as you want?
I recommend one or two at first. Even the vets get overwhelmed by 3 or more at a time.
KO Bossy
10/28/2009, 15:18
Alright, I'll make sure not to overload. I will also PM anonymouse and ask him.
Wade Wilson
10/28/2009, 15:23
it sucks if you end up as mafia in every game at once that is opened and you are in, and i'm not sure if it is like this for everyone, but i tend to get mafia in games all at the same time XD
anonym0use
10/28/2009, 15:26
Shameless Plug: Munchkin Mafia will be a blast.
It's no where near the tangled web of paranoia. :)
Promise.
:devious:
KO Bossy
10/28/2009, 15:29
Shameless Plug: Munchkin Mafia will be a blast.
It's no where near the tangled web of paranoia. :)
Promise.
:devious:
I had to sign up simply because its Munchkin. I truly believe if I hadn't, I'd have been a worse person for it.
Call me superstitious.
DocDoom187
10/28/2009, 15:41
if you like video games Docdoom and Pax are running a video game one, but Pax roles can be kind of weird...also Mal is doing the plush cthulu game and those roles, well atleast the first one, are rather simple and it's just basically stuffed animals =/
Hey! I take offense to that!
My roles are just as weird if not weirder. Just look at Fantastic Four Mafia. But yeah, most games I run should be completely avoided by newbies, the same is true for games Pax runs.
I look forward to your growth as a mafia player KO! If you have any problems or questions feel free to ask! We're all here to help.
Wade Wilson
10/28/2009, 15:45
Hey! I take offense to that!
My roles are just as weird if not weirder. Just look at Fantastic Four Mafia. But yeah, most games I run should be completely avoided by newbies, the same is true for games Pax runs.
I look forward to your growth as a mafia player KO! If you have any problems or questions feel free to ask! We're all here to help.
i only played in one of your games XD and i got lynched like day 1 =/ i played in quite a few of Pax's games, one of them i ended up being Sinestro Corp Batman...with a green lantern corp Batman running around X_x
Ignatz_Mouse
10/28/2009, 15:50
No love for my small, relatively straightforward game? I will cry now.
malakim2099
10/28/2009, 16:08
What about anonymouse? He's running a Munchkin Mafia, and I'm a Munchkin buff, so I'd love to participate. However, I'd like to know before hand if he runs a pretty straight forward game, or if its something I should get more experience for before I do?
Also, can you do 2 Mafias at a time? Or only 1? Or as many as you want?
Do as many as you think you can handle.
I'm also running a Plush Cthulhu mafia, if that might intrigue. Those tend to be small and relatively light-twist games.
oh and they always forget to add this to the rules, but you never,ever, ever, lynch or kill players that start with the letter 't' and end with an 'n'. that rule always gets left off the list but its a rule. :nervous: :p
sstralkowski
10/28/2009, 20:15
oh and they always forget to add this to the rules, but you never,ever, ever, lynch or kill players that start with the letter 't' and end with an 'n'. that rule always gets left off the list but its a rule. :nervous: :p
mental note: NK tyroman asap.
PaxZRake
10/28/2009, 20:28
i only played in one of your games XD and i got lynched like day 1 =/ i played in quite a few of Pax's games, one of them i ended up being Sinestro Corp Batman...with a green lantern corp Batman running around X_x
I loved that day phase.
I felt soooooo bad for you, but it was hilarious.
DocDoom187
10/28/2009, 20:49
"I loved your game Doc. You are awesome in so many ways. I wish I was you" - Pax.
Aww thanks Pax ::blushes::
KO Bossy
10/28/2009, 21:23
mental note: NK tyroman asap.
But his name starts with 't' AND ends with 'n'! You can't NK him: its a rule! :laugh:
PaxZRake
10/28/2009, 21:40
"Pax, sometimes it's frustrating having played mafia longer than you. You're better than me at my own playstyle, the games you've modded are so interesting and unique, and you've created roles that I'm just starting to think of...
I love you." - DocDoom
... Get the hell away from me you sicko!
DocDoom187
10/28/2009, 23:02
Too far Pax.
Too far.
:cry:
Actually, I have basically said all of that (except the latter) in some form or another...
SHUT UP JERK.
Yeah, too bad about that Pax.
I'm pretty sure Doc's told me he loves me. Multiple times. :cheeky:
sstralkowski
10/29/2009, 06:47
But his name starts with 't' AND ends with 'n'! You can't NK him: its a rule! :laugh:
But he's mafia trying to lead the town around by the nose.
Aegon Targaryen
10/29/2009, 08:10
I have opened up a new player game, check the signup forum!
DocDoom187
10/29/2009, 09:10
Newbie Rule #3: DocDoom187 is easy and fun to pick on.
Newbie Rule #4: Get is known as a "leech" in mafia, suckling to Rokk's under belly.
:p Get.
Newbie Rule #3: DocDoom187 is easy and fun to pick on.
Newbie Rule #4: Get is known as a "leech" in mafia, suckling to Rokk's under belly.
:p Get.
Lies. The two of us are usually at odds. ;)
But he's mafia trying to lead the town around by the nose.
HA! Like anyone ever listens to me. :p:disappointed: you're just going to get mod-killed for breaking the rules. A Mod-Kill for KO Bossy, is when a player breaks the rules and the Mafia Mod, person running the game, takes that person out of the game. see, it's going to happen to Sstral. :p
sstralkowski
10/29/2009, 13:39
HA! Like anyone ever listens to me. :p:disappointed: you're just going to get mod-killed for breaking the rules. A Mod-Kill for KO Bossy, is when a player breaks the rules and the Mafia Mod, person running the game, takes that person out of the game. see, it's going to happen to Sstral. :p
So what if a mod kills you? Do they then have to modkill themself? :grin:
"Pax, sometimes it's frustrating having played mafia longer than you. You're better than me at my own playstyle, the games you've modded are so interesting and unique, and you've created roles that I'm just starting to think of...
I love you." - DocDoom
... Get the hell away from me you sicko!
Is that supposedly a good thing?? :noid:
VenomDaBomb
10/29/2009, 15:25
Of those in sign-up:
VenomDaBomb's games are quite experimental.
hahahaha but they are quite fun! :cool:
need a few more for ka0s! the best way to learn is to play. new players tend to last as the mafia leaves them alone cause there are bigger fish to fry. so you get to see the whole game develop. my advice as someone that started play what sounds fun. don't try to mod a game until you have played in a bunch...(wish i had done that lol)
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